The Wheel Welcomes the Launch of New Social Enterprise Policy
The Wheel, the national association of charities, social enterprises and community groups, today (25 July 2024) welcomed the launch of the new Social Enterprise Policy, aimed at driving positive social impact while fostering sustainable business growth. This new Policy underscores the Government’s commitment to social entrepreneurship and acknowledges the critical role of social enterprises in tackling societal challenges and empowering communities.
This policy will support the 4,300 social enterprises across the country, and the 85,000 people employed by them across sectors such as childcare, community and local development, health and social care, heritage and the arts.
The Social Enterprise Policy is designed to:
- build awareness of social enterprises;
- grow social enterprises;
- support the Green Transition;
- facilitate national and international co-ordination and engagement; and
- support impact measurement.
In its submission on the draft Policy, The Wheel sought the inclusion of an implementation and oversight mechanism, together with policy coherence across policies which impact the sector, and welcomes the inclusion of these key provisions.
“We’re pleased to see that many of our members’ views are reflected in the final document.” said Colette Bennett, Director of Advocacy and Research at The Wheel. “The key now is to ensure that the policy is resourced in Budget 2025 and beyond. Social enterprises need access to business supports on a par with those available to other enterprises through the Local Enterprise Offices (LEOs). Unfortunately, this support is inconsistent at present, and we sought an additional €13 million in Budget 2025 to allow LEOs to provide this support.”
In its Pre-Budget 2025 submission, The Wheel also urged Government to provide the following supports for social enterprises:
- Sustainable, multi-annual funding for the sector, including social enterprises, many of which are registered charities.
- Targeted supports for social enterprises working in the circular economy.
- Increased support for social enterprises working on an all-island basis.
“We look forward to working with the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment to embed this policy across our membership and the wider sector,” said Ms Bennett.